The route via the Fenetre d’Arpette has caused many problems so far this season & after the sad news of a fatality early season who tried to tackle the steep snow either side of the col the advise has been to use the alternative route via Bovine.
After a recce yesterday of the route we can now confirm that it is now passable & is snow free. There is some erosion lower down on the Trient side where a landslide that happened a number of years ago seems to have deteriorated & this means that you will need to climb up & around the problem area & care needs to be taken especially in wet conditions if the ground becomes wet & slippery.
Although there were reports that trail maintenance was being carried out there was no evidence of any work being done along the route. It is hoped that the eroded section on the Trient side lower down is maintained soon to make the passage easier & safer for trekkers.
Safe travels from Chamonix to Zermatt!